BR102018075217A2 - system and method for detecting crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester - Google Patents

Abstract

it is in one aspect a system for detecting crop storage levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester which may include an elevator extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the elevator being configured to carry harvested crops between its proximal and distal ends. The system may also include a storage feeder positioned adjacent the proximal end of the elevator, wherein the storage feeder defines a volume configured to receive harvested crops before such harvested crops are transported from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator. . In addition, the system may include a fill level sensor provided in operative association with the storage feeder. The fill level sensor can be configured to detect a fill level of harvested crops contained in the storage volume of the storage feeder.

Description

“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING CULTURE LEVELS IN INTEGRATED STORAGE OF AN AGRICULTURAL HARVEST” Campo da Invenção [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural harvesters, such as sugar cane harvesters and, more particularly, to a sensor to detect crop fill levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester and related systems and methods.

Background of the Invention [0002] Typically, agricultural harvesters are accompanied by a receiver for harvested crops, such as a truck that is driven alongside or behind the harvester, or a wagon towed by a truck or tractor. An unloading conveyor or elevator extends from the harvester and is operable during the harvesting operation as it moves along the field to unload the harvested crops to the accompanying recipient.

[0003] Some harvesters, particularly combination harvesters, have an integrated crop transport capability, such as a large grain store, so that it does not need to be constantly accompanied by a receiver for harvested crops. Other harvesters have only limited integrated transport capacity and require substantially constant monitoring by an external receiver or storage device. For example, sugar cane harvesters have an elongated upward inclined elevator that uses one or more circulating chains to transport paddles or other crop transport elements upward along an upper span facing upward from the elevator, and downward along a lower span facing down from the elevator in an endless circuit. The harvested sugar canes are typically cut into

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 22/91 / 55 smaller fragments and then carried by the paddles upwards along the upper span of the elevator and for a subsequent discharge from the distal end of the elevator to the accompanying receiver, such as a fragment cart.

[0004] When an external receiver for a sugarcane harvester is absent or otherwise not properly positioned in relation to the harvester, the discharge elevator must be stopped to prevent the transported debris from being discharged on the ground. This situation can increase under a variety of conditions, such as if the attached receiver is full and you must let the harvester unload. As another example, the receiver can often be a towed wagon that (together with your towing vehicle) defines a radius of turn greater than the combine itself. In such cases, when a curve is run at the end of the field, the recipient may not be immediately present to receive the harvested cultures. As a result, the harvester may have to pause the operation until the receiver can be positioned properly in relation to the harvester. In each situation, there is a significant loss in the combine's productivity.

[0005] Consequently, systems and methods that allow a harvester to continue harvesting when an external receiver is not positioned properly in relation to the harvester would be welcome in technology. Furthermore, systems and methods that use a sensor to detect crop fill levels in an agricultural harvester's integrated storage would be welcome in the technology.

Description of the Invention [0006] Aspects and disadvantages of the technology will be presented, in part, in the following description, or they may be obvious from the description, or they can be learned through the practice of the technology.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 23/91 / 55 [0007] In one aspect, the present article is directed to a system to detect crop levels in an integrated storage of an agricultural harvester. The system can include an elevator that extends between a proximal end and a distal end, the elevator being configured to transport harvested cultures between its proximal and distal ends. The system may also include a storage feeder positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the elevator, where the storage feeder defines a volume configured to receive the harvested cultures before such cultures are transported from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator. In addition, the system may include a fill level sensor provided in operative association with the storage feeder. The fill level sensor can be configured to detect a fill level for the harvested crops contained in the storage volume of the storage feeder.

[0008] In another aspect, the present matter is directed to a method for detecting crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester, the harvester comprising an elevator assembly that includes an elevator that extends between a proximal end and an distal end. The elevator assembly may include an upper storage feeder positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elevator. The combine may additionally include a lower storage feeder positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the elevator. The method may initially include operating the harvester in a crop unloading mode so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end of the lift to the distal end of the lift and subsequently unloaded from the harvester through an unloading opening defined by the storage feeder

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. Upper 24/91 / 55. Additionally, upon receipt of an entry associated with the combine's operation in a harvest storage mode, the method may include reducing an elevator's operating speed and blocking the discharge opening defined by the upper storage feeder so that the harvested crops expelled from the distal end of the elevator are stored in a storage volume of the upper storage feeder. In addition, the method may include monitoring a fill level for the crops harvested in the lower storage feeder against a predetermined fill level threshold.

[0009] In an additional aspect, the present matter is directed to a method for detecting crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester, the harvester including an elevator assembly that has an elevator that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The elevator assembly may include a lower storage feeder positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the elevator. The method may include operating the harvester so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator and subsequently discharged from the distal end of the elevator into the upper storage feeder or through the same positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elevator. In addition, the method may include monitoring a fill level for crops harvested in the lower storage feeder against a predetermined fill level threshold as the elevator is operated to transport harvested crops between the lower storage feeder and the upper storage feeder . In addition, the method may include initiating a control action when the monitored filled level of crops harvested in the feeder is monitored.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 25/91 / 55 lower storage reaches or exceeds the predetermined fill level threshold.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present technology will become better understood in reference to the description and claims attached below. The attached drawings, which are incorporated and form part of this specification, illustrate the technology's achievements and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

Brief Description of the Figures [0011] A complete and enabling revelation of the present technology, including the best mode of it, directed to a person of common skill in the technique, is presented in this specification, which makes reference to the attached Figures in which:

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified side view of an agricultural harvester construction in accordance with aspects of the present matter;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a distal portion of a combine elevator assembly shown in Figure 1, which particularly illustrates components of an upper storage feeder of the elevator assembly in an open (or positions) position (or positions). discharge to allow harvested crops to be discharged from the elevator assembly in accordance with aspects of the present matter;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates another side view of the distal portion of the elevator assembly shown in Figure 2, which particularly illustrates the components of the upper storage feeder in a closed or storage position (or positions) to allow harvested crops to be temporarily stored in the storage feeder in accordance with aspects of this matter;

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 26/91 / 55 [0015] Figure 4 illustrates an assembled view of an embodiment of a fill level sensor according to aspects of the present matter;

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of the fill level sensor shown in Figure 4;

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fill level sensor shown in Figure 4 taken around line 6-6;

[0018] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an implementation of a system to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter; and [0019] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of an implementation of a method to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter; and [0020] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of another embodiment of a method to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter.

[0021] The repeated use of reference characters in this specification and in the drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of this technology.

Description of Realizations of the Invention [0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the realizations of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not a limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, the functions illustrated or described as part of an achievement can be

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 27/91 / 55 used with another realization to produce, still, an additional realization. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as they are presented in the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] Generally, the present matter is directed to a system and method for operating a combine. Specifically, in many embodiments, the harvester may include an elevator that extends between a proximal end and a distal end, the elevator being configured to transport harvested crops between its proximal and distal ends. The harvester may also include a lower storage feeder positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the elevator to supply the harvested crops received from the harvest system upstream from the harvester to the elevator. In addition, the harvester may include an upper storage feeder positioned at the distal end of the elevator to temporarily store the crops harvested therein. For example, the upper storage feeder may include one or more mobile feeder components configured to be moved between an open or unloading position (or positions) in which harvested crops expelled from the distal end of the elevator can be unloaded from the storage feeder. higher in an external receiver or storage device (that is, when operating in a discharge operation mode) and a closed or storage position (or positions) in which harvested crops can be stored in a storage volume defined by the feeder superior storage (that is, when operating in a harvest storage mode). In this way, when the external receiver or storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the combine, the feeder component (or components) can be moved into position (or

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 28/91 / 55 positions) closed or storage to allow harvested cultures expelled from the distal end of the elevator to be stored in the storage volume of the upper storage feeder without discontinuing operation of the elevator and / or the rest of the harvester.

[0024] Furthermore, in many embodiments, a filling level sensor (or sensors) can be installed in the lower storage feeder and / or in relation to it to detect the level of filling of fragments contained therein. As will be described below, when operating in harvest storage mode, a revealed system controller can be configured to monitor the level of fragment fill in the lower storage feeder based on data / signals received from the level sensor (or sensors) filling. When it is detected that the fragment fill level has reached and / or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold, the controller can be configured to initiate an appropriate control action. For example, in one embodiment, the controller can be configured to interrupt the operation of the harvesting system upstream of the combine to stop harvesting and / or further processing of sugarcane, and thereby prevent additional fragments from being supplied to the feeder lower storage. In another embodiment, the controller can be configured to stop the operation of a primary harvester extractor to prevent fragments from interfering with the harvester's operation.

[0025] Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester 10 according to aspects of the present subject. As has been shown, harvester 10 is configured as a sugarcane harvester. However, in other embodiments, harvester 10 can correspond to any suitable agricultural harvester known in the art.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 29/91 / 55 [0026] As shown in Figure 1, the combine 10 includes a frame 12, a pair of front wheels 14, a pair of rear wheels 16, and an operator's cab 18. Combine 10 can also include a primary source of energy (for example, a motor mechanism mounted on frame 12) that energizes one or both pairs of wheels 14, 16 by means of a transmission (not shown). Alternatively, the harvester 10 can be a harvester driven harvester and, therefore, may include lanes driven by the motor mechanism opposite the illustrated wheels 14, 16. The motor mechanism can also drive a hydraulic fluid pump configured to generate pressurized hydraulic fluids to energize various hydraulic components of the combine. 10.

[0027] Additionally, harvester 10 may include a harvesting system 19 for cutting, processing, cleaning and unloading sugar cane as the cane is harvested from an agricultural field. 20. For example, the harvesting system 19 may include a nose cutter assembly 22 positioned at its front end to intercept sugarcane as the combine 10 is moved in the forward direction. As shown, the tip cutter assembly 22 can include both a binder disk 24 and a binder disk 26. Binder disk 24 can be configured to bind sugar cane stems so that the cutting disk 26 can be used to cut the tip of each stem. As is generally understood, the height of the tip cutter assembly 22 can be adjustable by means of a pair of arms 28 hydraulically raised and lowered, as desired by the operator.

[0028] Additionally, harvesting system 19 may include a harvesting divider 30 that extends up and back from field 20. In general, harvesting divider 30 may include two spiral feed rollers 32. Each feed roller 32 may include a floor shoe 34, since

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10/55 its lower end helps the harvest divider 30 by agglutinating the sugarcane stems for harvest. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the harvesting system 19 can include a tipping roller 36 positioned close to the front wheels 14 and a thin roller 38 positioned behind the tipping roller 36. As the tipping roller 36 is rotated, the cane stems harvested sugar are tipped while the crop divider 30 brings together the stems of the agricultural field 20. Additionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thin roller 38 can include a plurality of intermittently mounted fins 40 that assist in forcing the cane stems -sugar down. As the thin roller 38 is rotated during the harvest, the sugar cane stems that have been tipped over by the tipping roller 36 are separated and subsequently tipped over by the thin roller 38 as the combine 10 continues to move forward with respect to field 20 .

[0029] Still with reference to Figure 1, the harvesting system 19 may also include a base chipper set 42 positioned behind the fin roller 30. As is generally understood, the base chipper set 42 may include blades (not shown) to cut the sugarcane stems as the cane is harvested. The blades, located on the periphery of the set 42, can be rotated by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system. Additionally, in several embodiments, the blades can be angled downwards to cut the base of the sugar cane as the cane is tipped over by the thin roller 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the harvesting system 10 may include a feed roll assembly 44 located downstream of the base cutter assembly 42 to move the broken sugarcane stems of the base cutter assembly 42 along the processing path. As shown in Figure 1, the feed roller assembly 44 may include a plurality of bottom rollers 46 and a plurality of top feed rollers 48. The

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 31/91 / 55 several bottom and top feed rollers 46, 48 can be used to pinch the harvested sugar cane during transport. As the sugar cane is transported through the feed roller assembly 44, waste (for example, stones, dirt and / or the like) may fall through the bottom rolls 46 onto field 20. In one embodiment, one or both the roll arrangements 46, 48 can be rotated, for example, by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system.

[0031] In addition, the harvesting system 19 may include a chipper assembly 50 located at the downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44 (e.g., adjacent to the rear and bottom feed rolls 46, 48). In general, the chipper set 50 can be used to cut or chop the broken stalks of sugar cane into pieces or "fragments" that can, for example, measure 15.24 centimeters (six (6) inches). In one embodiment, the chipper assembly 50 can be driven in a rotating manner, for example, by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system.

[0032] Combine harvester 10 may also include a lower elevator receptacle or storage feeder 51 positioned at a location adjacent to chipper assembly 50, such as a location on harvester 10 that allows debris discharged from chipper assembly 50 to fall into the lower storage feeder 51. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the lower storage feeder 51 can define a storage volume 53 into which the chipper assembly 50 propels or otherwise unloads the processed fragments. The fragments can then be temporarily retained in the lower storage feeder 51 for subsequent delivery to an elevator assembly 52 of the combine 10.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 32/91 / 55 [0033] As is generally understood, pieces of debris (eg, dust, dirt, leaves etc.) separated from the sugar cane fragments that fall into the lower storage feeder 51 can be ejected from the combine 10 through of a primary extractor 54. In general, the primary extractor 54 can be located behind the chipper assembly 50 and above the lower storage feeder 51. Furthermore, the primary extractor 54 can be oriented to direct debris out of the combine 10. Additionally, an extractor fan 56 can be mounted on the base of the primary extractor 54 to generate sufficient suction or vacuum force to capture the waste and force the waste through the primary extractor 54. The separated or cleaned fragments, heavier than that debris that is expelled through extractor 54, can then fall down into the lower storage feeder 51 for delivery to the assembly elevator 52.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the elevator assembly 52 can generally include an elevator housing 58 and an elevator 60 that extends within the elevator housing 58 between a lower proximal end 62 and an upper distal end 64 In general, the elevator 60 may include a chain or a loop member 66 and a plurality of straps or paddles 68 attached to the loop member 66 and equally spaced therein. The paddles 68 can be configured to retain the sugar cane fragments in the elevator 60 as the fragments are raised along an upper span 70 of the elevator 60 defined between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64. Additionally, the elevator 60 it can include lower and upper rotating members 72, 74 (e.g., upper and lower gears) positioned at its proximal and distal ends 62, 64, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, an elevator motor 76 can be coupled to one of the rotating members (for example, the upper rotating member or the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 33/91 / 55 gear 74) to drive the chain or the loop member 66, and thereby allow the loop member 66 and the blades 68 to travel in an endless cycle between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the lift 60.

[0035] In addition, pieces of waste (eg, dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the elevated sugar cane fragments can be expelled from the combine 10 through a secondary extractor extractor 78 coupled to the rear end of the elevator housing 58. As shown in Figure 1, secondary extractor 78 can be located adjacent to the distal end 64 of elevator 60 and can be oriented to direct waste 53 out of the harvester 10. Additionally, a extractor 80 can be mounted on the base of the secondary extractor 78 to generate sufficient suction or vacuum force to extract the waste and force the waste through the secondary extractor 78. The washed and separated fragments, heavier than the waste expelled through the extractor 78 , can then fall from the distal end 64 of elevator 60. Typically, fragments can fall down through a dash 82 of elevator assembly 52 in an external storage device (not shown), such as a sugar cane fragment cart.

[0036] During the operation, harvester 10 is traversed throughout agricultural field 20 to harvest sugarcane. After the height of the tip cutter 22 is adjusted by means of the arms 28, the agglutinating disc 24 in the tip cutter assembly 22 can work in order to agglutinate the sugarcane stems as the combine 10 proceeds through the field 20 , while the cutting disc 26 cuts the leafy ends of the sugarcane stems to dump them along both sides of the harvester 10. As the stems enter the crop divider 30, the shoes 34 can configure the width of the harvester operation to determine the amount of sugar cane entering the throat of the harvester 10. The

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14/55 spiral feed rollers 32 then bind the stems in the throat to allow the tipping roller 36 to bend the stems downward together with the action of the thin roller 38. Once the stems are positioned at an angle as shown in Figure 1, the base cutter assembly 42 can then cut the base of the stems of field 20. The cut stems are then directed to the feed roller assembly 44 by the movement of the combine 10.

[0037] The cut sugarcane stems are transported backwards by the bottom and the top feed rollers 46.48 which compress the stems, make them more uniform and shake off the residues to pass through the bottom rollers 46 until the field 20. At the downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44, the chipper assembly 50 cuts or pricks the sugarcane stems compressed into pieces or fragments (for example, 15.24 cm cane sections ( 6 inches)). Mills or residues transported by air (for example, dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugar cane fragments are then extracted through the primary extractor 54 using the suction created by the extractor fan 56. The separated / cleaned fragments then fall down into the lower storage feeder 51 before delivering to the elevator assembly 52, in which such fragments travel upstream through the elevator 60 from its proximal end 62 to its distal end 64. During a normal operation, as fragments 51 reach the distal end 64 of the elevator 60, fragments 51 fall through the discharge opening 82 to an external storage device. Similar to the primary extractor 54, the mill is blown out of the combine 10 through the secondary extractor 78 with the aid of the extractor fan 80.

[0038] Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present matter, elevator assembly 52 may also include a

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 35/91 / 55 upper storage 100 coupled to elevator housing 58 at a location adjacent to the distal end 64 of elevator 60 (for example, at a location below elevator 60 and secondary extractor 78). As shown in Figure 1, the upper storage feeder 100 can be configured to at least partially define the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52. As will be described in greater detail below, the upper storage feeder 100 may include a feeder 102 which is movable between a discharge position and a storage position. When the feeder access 102 is located in its unloading position, the combine 10 can be operated in its typical unloading mode (for example, hereinafter referred to as its harvest unloading method) in which the fragments expelled from the end distal 64 of the elevator 60 fall through the discharge opening 82 to an associated external storage device. However, when feeder access 102 is located in its storage position, feeder access 102 can cover or block discharge opening 82 to prevent debris from being discharged from elevator assembly 52. In such an operation mode, the fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 may fall into a storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage feeder 100 for temporary storage therein.

[0039] Furthermore, in many embodiments, the harvester 10 may also include one or more crop flow sensors 204 configured to monitor one or more crop flow parameters of the harvester 10. In general, the flow parameter (or parameters) can correspond to any suitable operating parameter (or parameters) of the harvester 10 that provides an indication of a mass flow of culture or productivity of the material harvested through the harvester 10 or that may be

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 36/91 / 55 correlated to it. Therefore, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can generally match any suitable sensor or capture device that is configured to monitor a given culture flow parameter (or parameters). For example, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 may correspond to one or more pressure sensors to monitor a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied in a hydraulic circuit of the vehicle hydraulic system, one or more torque sensors to monitor an operating torque of one or more rotating components of the combine 10, one or more position sensors to monitor the relative position of one or more components that are configured to move with changes in the culture mass flow, one or more yield sensors configured to directly or indirectly monitor crop productivity, and / or any other suitable sensors.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can be supplied in operative association with any number of combine components and / or installed in any suitable location on the combine 10 and / or in relation to it. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more culture flow sensors 204 may be provided in operative association with one or more of the components of the vehicle feed train system, such as one or more components associated with the cutter assembly. base 42, feed roller set 44 and / or chipper set 50. Alternatively, culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can be supplied in operative association with any other suitable components and / or installed in any other suitable location that allows a crop flow parameter (or parameters) from the combine 10 to be monitored, such as a location in the elevator housing 58 of the elevator assembly 52.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 37/91 / 55 [0041] In addition, in many embodiments, the combine 10 may also include one or more fill level sensors 160 provided in operative association with storage feeder 51. In general, the sensor (or sensors) of fill level 160 can be configured to detect the fill level of fragments contained in the lower storage feeder 51. Therefore, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can generally be installed in the lower storage feeder 51 and / or with respect to it at any suitable location (or locations) that allows the sensor (or sensors) 160 to detect the level of fill of fragments contained therein. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a fill level sensor 160 can be installed at one front end or adjacent to that of the lower storage feeder 51 and another fill level sensor 160 can be mounted at one end of the stern. lower storage feeder 51, such as mounting the fill level sensors 160 on the inner side of the walls of the lower storage feeder 51. However, in other embodiments, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be mounted at any other suitable location on the lower storage feeder 51 and / or in relation to it, such as at a central location on the lower storage feeder 51.

[0042] It should be appreciated that any suitable number of fill level sensors 160 can be installed in relation to the lower storage feeder 51, such as a single fill level sensor 160 or two or more fill level sensors 160. In addition, when the lower storage feeder 51 includes two or more fill level sensors 160, fill level sensors 160 can be configured to be held

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 38/91 / 55 by a common component or different components or installed in them. For example, the lower storage feeder 51 may include an array of fill level sensors 160 mounted on a given component, such as a single wall of the lower storage feeder 51. However, in other embodiments, sensor (or sensors) different fill level 160 can be installed in relation to different components, such as installing one or more fill level sensors 160 on a front wall of the lower storage feeder 51 and one or more other fill level sensors 160 on one or more other components, such as the aft wall of the lower storage feeder 51. Additionally, it should be appreciated that when using multiple fill level sensors 160, sensors 160 can be installed at the same relative height on the feeder lower storage 51 or at different heights. For example, depending on the type of sensor that is used, it may be desirable to position each fill level sensor 160 at the same height in the lower storage feeder 51 so that each sensor 160 is configured to provide an indication as to when the level of filling fragment fill in feeder 51 has reached or exceeded a given fill level threshold defined at the time of installation of sensors 160. Alternatively, fill level sensors 160 can be positioned at different heights in the lower storage feeder 51 to allow each sensor 160 detects when the fragment fill level in feeder 51 has reached or exceeded a fill level threshold associated with that sensor 160, and thereby provides the ability to monitor the fragment fill level in relation to two or more thresholds fill level.

[0043] It should also be appreciated that the level sensor (or sensors)

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 39/91 / 55 of fill 160 can generally correspond to any suitable sensor (or sensors) capable of detecting the fill level of fragments stored in the lower storage feeder 51. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor (or sensors) of Fill level 160 can correspond to one or more contact sensors, such as one or more pressure sensors, load sensors and / or the like. In such an embodiment, the contact-based fill level sensor (or sensors) can be configured to be positioned in the lower storage feeder 51 at or adjacent to a fill level height (or heights) that corresponds to a threshold associated fill level (or thresholds), and thereby allows the sensor (or sensors) to provide an indication as to when the actual level of fragment fill in the lower storage feeder 51 has reached and / or exceeded that level threshold. predetermined fill. In another embodiment, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 may correspond to one or more non-contact sensors, such as one or more optical based sensors (for example, an IR beam sensor (or sensors), a camera (or cameras), a LIDAR sensor or other laser range finder sensor, one or more acoustically based sensors (for example, an ultrasonic sensor (or sensors)), one or more radar sensors and / or the like. such an accomplishment, the non-contact fill level sensor (or sensors) can be positioned on the lower storage feeder 51 in any suitable location that allows the sensor (or sensors) to detect the level of fragment fragments in relation to one or more fill level thresholds.

[0044] As will be described in more detail below, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be communicatively coupled to the associated system controller 202 (Figure 7), such as by

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 40/91 / 55 means of a communicative link (or links) 226 (Figure 7), and thereby allows controller 202 to receive data or sensor signals from sensor (or sensors) of fill level 160. Therefore, with Based on the data / signals received from the sensor (or sensors) 160, controller 202 can determine when the fill level of fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 has reached or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold. For example, in one embodiment, a fill level threshold can be selected that is associated with a fill level height below the height at which the extractor fan 56 of the primary extractor 54 is positioned, such as selecting a fill level corresponding to a fill level height defined on top of or adjacent to the lower storage feeder 51. In such an embodiment, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 may serve to provide an indication that the fragment fill level has reached a height at which the fragments are likely to make contact with the operation of the extractor fan 56 or otherwise interfere with it. In addition, in response to the determination that the fragment fill level has reached / exceeded the fill level threshold, controller 202 can also be configured to initiate one or more related control actions, such as interrupting or adjusting the operation of the harvesting system 19 and / or the extractor fan 56 and / or initiating any other appropriate control action (or actions) (for example, initiating vehicle-to-vehicle communications with a separate vehicle, such as an associated receiver) .

[0045] Now with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the side views of a distal portion of the elevator assembly 52 shown in Figure 1 are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter, which particularly

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 41/91 / 55 illustrates the upper storage feeder 100 located adjacent to the distal end 64 of the elevator 60. Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates the feeder access 102 of the upper storage feeder 100 in its unloading position to allow the combine 10 be operated in its crop discharge mode. Similarly, Figure 3 illustrates the feeder access 102 of the upper storage feeder 100 in its unloading position to allow the combine 10 to be operated in its harvest unloading mode.

[0046] In many embodiments, the upper storage feeder 100 may be positioned at the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 or adjacent to it so that fragments expelled from the elevator 60 at its distal end 64 fall downwardly into the upper storage feeder 100. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper storage feeder 100 may extend below the elevator housing 58 so that the upper feeder 100 includes a vertically spaced lower side 108 of the elevator housing 58 at a location below of the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and a rear side 110 (Figure 2) positioned below the secondary extractor 78.

[0047] In many embodiments, the upper storage feeder 100 may include a movable feeder access 102 along the lower side 108 of the upper feeder 100 and a rear baffle 112 movable with respect to the rear side 110 of the upper feeder 100. The feeder upper storage container 100 may also include a pair of side walls 114 (only one of which is shown) extending out of the elevator housing 58 to the lower and rear sides 110, 112 of the upper feeder 100. Additionally, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper storage feeder 100 may include a front baffle 116 spaced in front of the rear side 110 of the upper feeder

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100. In one embodiment, the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52 can be defined between the front deflector 116 and the rear deflector 112 along the lower side 108 of the upper feeder 100.

[0048] As indicated above, feeder access 102 can be configured to be moved between a discharge position (Figure 2) and a storage position (Figure 3). Additionally, in one embodiment, the rear baffle 112 can be movable between an open position (Figure 2) and a closed position (Figure 3). In many embodiments, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest unload mode, feeder access 102 can be moved to its unload position while the rear deflector 112 can be moved to its open position. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when in the discharge position, feeder access 102 can be moved away from the rear side 110 of the upper feeder 100 (for example, in the direction of arrow 118) to expose the discharge opening 82 defined along the lower side 108 of the upper feeder 100 between the front and rear deflectors 116, 112. Similarly, as shown in Figure 2, when in the open position, the rear deflector 112 can be rotated relative to its side rear 110 of the upper feeder 100 away from both the feeder access 102 and the front deflector 116 (for example, in the direction of arrow 120) to increase the discharge opening 82. Thus, the harvested culture is expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 can fall through the discharge opening 82 and thus can be discharged from the elevator assembly 52.

[0049] Furthermore, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode, feeder access 102 can be moved to its storage position while the rear deflector 112 can be moved to its closed position. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when in the storage position, access from

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 43/91 / 55 feeder 102 can be moved towards the rear side 110 of the upper feeder 100 (for example, in the direction of arrow 122) to cover the discharge opening 82 defined along the lower side 108 of the upper feeder 100. similarly, as shown in Figure 3, when in the closed position, the rear baffle 112 can be rotated in relation to its rear side 110 of the upper feeder 100 both in the direction of the feeder access 102 and the front baffle 116 (for example , in the direction of arrow 124) until the rear deflector 112 contacts the feeder access 102 or is otherwise positioned directly adjacent to it. When the feeder access 102 and the rear deflector 112 are located in such positions, the upper storage feeder 100 can be configured to define a storage volume 104 to store harvested culture expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the storage volume 104 can extend between a front end 126 defined by the front deflector 116 and a rear end 128 defined by the rear deflector 112. In addition, the storage volume 104 can extend transversely between the opposite side walls 114 of the upper feeder 100 and vertically between the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and the feeder access 102. Thus, harvested cultures expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 may fall to the bottom the storage volume 104 defined by the feeder access 102 and accumulate in the storage volume 104 between the front and rear deflectors 116, 112 and the opposite side walls 114.

[0050] It should be appreciated that the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage feeder 100 can generally correspond to any suitable volume sufficient to store a desired amount of fragments in the upper feeder 100. However,

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 44/91 / 55 in many embodiments, the upper storage feeder 100 can be configured so that the storage volume 104 is substantially equal to the maximum storage volume defined by the upper span 70 of the elevator 60 (i.e., the upper side of the elevator). elevator 60 along which fragments are transported between the proximal and distal ends of elevator 62, 64). As used herein, the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage feeder 100 can be considered to be substantially equal to the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator span 70 if the storage volume 104 is within +/- 20 % of the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator compartment 70, such as within +/- 10% of the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator compartment 70 or within +/- 5% of the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator span 70 and / or any other sub-bands between them.

[0051] Additionally, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the rear baffle 112 may not be movable, but, instead, it may be fixed or stationary. In such embodiments, only feeder access 102 can be configured to be moved to switch the operation of the combine 10 between its harvest unloading and storage modes. For example, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode, feeder access 102 can be moved towards the fixed rear deflector 112 to the storage position in which feeder access 102 is in contact with the baffle 112 or is otherwise positioned directly adjacent to it. Similarly, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest discharge mode, feeder access 102 can be moved away from the rear baffle 112 to expose the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 45/91 / 55 [0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in many embodiments, the elevator assembly 52 may include an access actuator 130 configured to move feeder access 102 between its discharge and storage positions. In general, the access actuator 130 can correspond to any suitable actuation mechanism and / or device. For example, in one embodiment, access actuator 140 may include a set of gears and racks for moving feeder access 102 between its discharge and storage positions. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, feeder access 102 may include a rack 132 configured to engage a corresponding drive gear 134 coupled to a motor 136 (for example, an electric motor or a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic system. vehicle). In such an embodiment, by turning the drive gear 134 in one direction or the other by means of the motor 136, the feeder access 102 can be acted in a linear way between its discharge and storage positions (for example, as indicated by arrows 118, 122). Alternatively, access actuator 130 can correspond to any other suitable actuating mechanism and / or device, such as any other suitable linear actuator (e.g., a cylinder) and / or the like.

[0053] Additionally, in many embodiments, the elevator assembly 52 may include a deflector actuator 138 configured to move the rear deflector 112 between its open and closed positions. In general, deflector actuator 138 can correspond to any suitable actuation mechanism and / or device. For example, in one embodiment, deflector actuator 138 may correspond to a linear actuator, such as a fluid-actuated cylinder actuator or an electric actuator (for example, a solenoid-activated actuator). Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, deflector actuator 138 can be coupled to a portion of the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 46/91 / 55 elevator 58 and / or a portion of the secondary extractor 78 and may include a drive rod 140 attached to a portion of the rear baffle 112. In such an embodiment, actuating the drive rod 140 linearly in one direction or in the other, the rear deflector 112 can be rotated with respect to its rear side 110 of the upper feeder 100 between its open and closed positions. Alternatively, deflector actuator 138 can correspond to any other suitable actuating mechanism and / or device, such as any other suitable linear actuator (e.g., a set of gears and racks) and / or the like.

[0054] It should be appreciated that, in many embodiments, the operation of the access actuator 130 and / or the deflector actuator 138 can be configured to be controlled electronically by means of a controller 202 of the combine 10. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the controller 202 can be communicatively coupled to the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138 by means of one or more communicative links 144, such as a wired connection and / or a wireless communication. In the case where the access actuator 130 and / or the deflector actuator 138 corresponds to a fluid driven component (or components), the controller 202 can instead be communicatively coupled to suitable electronically controlled valves and / or other suitable fluid-related components to control the operation of the actuator (or actuators) 130, 138. Regardless, by providing the communicative links revealed between controller 202 and actuators 130, 138, controller 202 can be configured to control the operation of actuators 130, 138 based on inputs received from the combine operator 10. For example, as will be described below, controller 202 can be configured to receive operator inputs associated with the desired operating mode for the combine 10. Specifically, the operator can

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 47/91 / 55 provide an operator input that indicates the desire to switch the combine 10 operation from the unload crop mode to the harvest storage mode. In such a case, controller 202 can be configured to electronically control the operation of actuators 130, 138 to move feeder access 102 to its storage position and rear deflector 112 to its closed position. Similarly, if the operator provides an operator input that indicates the desire to switch the combine 10 operation from harvest storage mode back to harvest discharge mode, controller 202 can be configured to electronically control the operation of the actuators 130, 138 to move the feeder access 102 to its discharge position and the rear deflector 112 to its open position. [0055] Still, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, in many embodiments, a sealing device 150 can be provided at the upper end of the front baffle 112 to seal the space defined between the front baffle 116 and the blades 68 of the lift 60 seen that the blades 68 are transported beyond the baffle 116. For example, in one embodiment, the sealing device 150 may correspond to a flexible sealing member, such as a brush seal or an elastic seal. In such an embodiment, the sealing device 150 can be configured to flex or tilt as the blades 68 are transported beyond the front deflector 116. By providing the sealing device 150, fragments stored in the storage volume 104 can be prevented of the upper feeder 100 when the combine 10 operates in its harvest storage mode fall on the top of the front baffle 116 and / or are pulled back under the lower span of the lift 60 by means of the passing blades 68.

[0056] Now referring to Figures 4 to 6, many views of an embodiment of a particular sensor configuration that can be used

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 48/91 / 55 for one or more of the culture level sensors 160 described above with reference to Figure 1 are illustrated according to aspects of the present subject. Specifically, Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an embodiment of a contact-based sensor configuration for a fill level sensor (or sensors). However, in other embodiments, the revealed fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can have any other suitable sensor configuration, including any other sensor configuration based on suitable contact and / or any other sensor configuration based on suitable non-contact.

[0057] As shown particularly in Figures 4 and 5, the fill level sensor 160 generally corresponds to a sensor assembly that includes sensor housing 162 and sensor element 164 configured to be coupled to sensor housing 162 or otherwise supported by it. In addition, fill level sensor 160 includes a cover plate 166 configured to extend over sensor element 164 and at least partially cover it. In this regard, the cover plate 166 may defend or otherwise protect the sensor element 164 from contact with the fragments in order to prevent the fragments from damaging the sensor element 164. As will be described in more detail below, the sensor 160 can be configured to be installed in relation to the lower storage feeder 51 so that an external side 168 (Figure 5) of the cover plate 166 is exposed to the fragments contained in the feeder 51. Therefore, when fragments begin to enter in contact with the cover plate 166 or stack against it as the billets reach the level of filling associated with the installation height of the sensor 160 in the feeder 51, an internal side 170 (Figure 5) of the cover plate 166 can be pressed or pushed into contact with the sensor element

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 49/91 / 55

164. Based on such contact, sensor element 164 can emit a signal (or signals) indicating that the fragment fill level has reached the installation height of the fill level sensor 160 in the lower storage feeder 51. By means of receiving the signal (or signals), the associated controller 202 can then be configured to initiate an appropriate control action, such as interrupting or adjusting the operation of the harvesting system 19 and / or extractor fan 56 and / or initiating any other appropriate control action (or actions) (for example, initiating vehicle-to-vehicle communications with a separate vehicle, such as an associated receiver).

[0058] In general, the sensor housing 162 can have any suitable configuration that allows it to function as described in this document. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, sensor housing 162 can include or define various features for mounting sensor 160 to the lower storage feeder 51 and / or to accommodate sensor element 164 and / or cover plate 166. For example, as shown particularly in Figure 5, sensor housing 162 can define fastener openings 172 (only two of which are shown) at locations around its outer perimeter to receive mechanical fasteners (not shown) to couple housing 162 to the feeder lower storage 51 and / or in relation to it. In addition, as shown in Figure 5, a recessed area 174 can be defined in relation to an outer face 176 of sensor housing 162 which is configured to receive cover plate 166. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, recessed area 174 has generally the square shape to be contiguous with the cover plate 166 shape. As will be described below, the sensor housing 162 may also include several other features for coupling the cover plate 166 to the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 50/91 / 55 housing 162 and / or to position the cover plate 166 in relation to the sensor element 164, as defining one or more swing openings 178 to receive corresponding swing beams 180 of the cover plate 166 and / or one or more flap openings 182 for receiving corresponding flaps 184 of cover plate 166.

[0059] In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the sensor housing 162 can also include an aperture 186 defined in the center of the recessed area 174 through which a portion of the sensor element 164 extends when the sensor element 164 is coupled to housing 162 or otherwise supported by it. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, a portion of sensor element 164 can extend through aperture 186 so that a sensor membrane or active catchment portion 188 of sensor element 164 is positioned in front of a lower surface 190 of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162.

[0060] Still, with reference to Figures 4 to 6, in many embodiments, the cover plate 166 can generally include a base plate 191 and a corresponding contact rib or shoulder 192 that extends out of the base plate 191. As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment, the base plate 191 can have a planar profile that defines a shape that is generally contiguous with the shape of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162, and thereby allows the face plate base 191 is received in the recessed area 174 when mounting the cover plate 166 in relation to the sensor housing 162. In addition, the contact shoulder 192 can generally be configured to extend from the base plate 191 so that when the base plate base 191 is received in the recessed area 174, the shoulder 192 projects out of the recessed area 174 at least partially beyond the outer face 176 of the sensor housing 162. For

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 51/91 / 55 example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, the contact shoulder 192 extends from the base plate 191 so that an outer portion 193 of the shoulder 192 projects outwardly with respect to the outer face 176 of the sensor housing 162 over a given lateral distance 194. In such an embodiment, ensuring that a portion of the contact shoulder 192 is exposed or otherwise protrudes so as to protrude from the outer face 176 of the sensor housing 162 , the fragments can be configured to make contact with the shoulder 192, regardless of its orientation in the lower storage feeder 51, when the fill level of the fragments reaches the position of the fill level sensor 160, and thereby allows the fragments activate or otherwise push the cover plate 166 onto the sensor membrane or active capture portion 188 and / or against it of the sensor element 164.

[0061] In addition, as shown in Figure 5, cover plate 166 may also include a pair of pivoting beams 180 that extend out opposite sides of base plate 191 that are configured to be received in the beam openings corresponding 178 (one of which is shown) defined in sensor housing 162. For example, as shown in Figure 5, beam openings 178 are defined in sensor housing 162 along the sides of indented area 174. Therefore, when installs the cover plate 166 in relation to the sensor housing 162, the base plate 191 can be positioned in the recessed area 174 so that the swivel beams 180 are received in the swivel openings 178, and thereby allows the swivel plate cover 166 rotate in relation to both sensor housing 162 and sensor element 164 supported by it. For example, as will be described below, a bottom or bottom portion of the cover plate 166 can normally be tilted away from both the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 52/91 / 55 bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and of the sensor element 164. However, when the level of fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 reaches the level of sensor 160 in such a way that one or more fragments realize contact with the cover plate 166 or press against it (for example, by means of the contact shoulder 192), thereby pushing the cover plate 166 towards both the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164 to allow cover plate 166 to activate or fire sensor element 164.

[0062] Additionally, as shown in Figure 5, cover plate 166 may also include a pair of tilt tabs 184 (only one of which is shown) that extend on the inner side 170 of plate 166 that are configured to be received in corresponding flap openings 182 (one of which is shown) defined in sensor housing 162. As shown in Figure 5, flap openings 182 are defined through the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174. Therefore, when the cover 166 is installed in relation to the recessed area 174, the flaps 184 can extend through the flap openings 182 to the opposite side of the housing 162. In addition, as shown particularly in Figure 5, a sloping member 195 (for example, a spring) can be configured to be received on each flap 184 so that the tilt member 195 is compressed between the cover plate 166 and the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162 when the flaps 184 are received in the flap openings 182. In such an embodiment, the tilt member 195 can apply a tilt force against the cover plate 166 that tilts plate 166 away from both the bottom surface 190 the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164. As shown in Figure 5, to limit the swiveling movement of the cover plate 166 in such a direction,

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 53/91 / 55 a stop flange 196 can be provided at the end of each flap 184 which is configured to take a portion of the sensor housing 162 adjacent to each flap opening 182. Thus, the tilt force applied through the member tilt 195 can be used to rotate the cover plate 166 away from both the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164 to a given length of rotation (for example, less than 5 degrees) limited by the permitted relative travel between the flaps 184 and the sensor housing 162 by the associated stop flanges 196.

[0063] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, in one embodiment, the cover plate 166 may also include a sensor block 197 that extends outside its inner side 170 which is configured to make contact with the membrane sensor or active sensor portion 188 of sensor element 164 when the cover plate 166 is rotated towards sensor element 164 due to contact with debris in the lower storage feeder 51. For example, in the absence of debris, the block sensor 197 can be configured to be separated from the active sensor portion 188 due to the tilting action of the tilt members 195. However, as one or more fragments make contact with the cover plate 166, the cover plate 166 can be rotated inwardly towards sensor element 164, thereby pressing sensor block 197 against associated active sensor portion 188 of sensor element 164. In a In the embodiment, the sensor block 197 can be formed of a relatively soft material (for example, a soft rubber material) in order to prevent damage to the active sensor portion 188 with repeated contact between such components.

[0064] It should be appreciated that the sensor membrane or active sensor portion 188 of sensor element 164 can generally correspond to

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 54/91 / 55 any suitable pickup device that is configured to detect contact by sensor block 197 as cover plate 166 is rotated towards sensor element 164. For example, in one embodiment, the active sensor portion 188 it can include or form part of a pressure sensor element that is configured to detect the pressure applied against sensor element 164 through contact by sensor block 197. In another embodiment, the active sensor portion 188 can include or form part of any other suitable type of force or load-based sensor element (for example, a load cell) or any other suitable sensor element that is configured to detect contact between sensor element 164 and sensor block 197 .

[0065] It should also be appreciated that the sensor element 164 may include an output interface 198 that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the system controller 202 (for example, via the wired or wireless link 226 shown in Figure 7). Therefore, when the sensor membrane or active sensor portion 188 detects contact between the cover plate 166 and the sensor element 164, the sensor element 164 can be configured to transmit data and / or signals suitable for indicative controller 202 such contact. Controller 202 can then use the sensor data / signals to determine when the fragment fill level in the lower storage feeder 51 has reached or exceeded the associated fill level threshold.

[0066] Now in reference to Figure 7, an embodiment of a system 200 to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, system 200 will be described in this document with reference to the combine 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and the fill level sensor 160 described above in this document.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 55/91 / 55 with reference to Figures 4 to 6. However, it should be appreciated that the revealed system 200 can generally be used with harvesters that have any other suitable configuration and / or with fill level sensors that have any other configuration appropriate sensor.

[0067] In many embodiments, the system 200 may include a controller 202 and several other components configured to be communicatively coupled to the controller 202 and / or controlled by it, such as one or more components to control the operating speed of the elevator 60 (for example, the elevator motor 76), one or more components to actuate the feeder access and the rear deflector (for example, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138), one or more components of the harvesting system 19 (for example, a motor / actuator for the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44, the chipper assembly 50, and / or any other suitable component (or components) of the harvesting system 19), one or more components of primary extractor 54 (for example, an extractor fan motor / actuator 56), one or more sensors to monitor one or more operating parameters of the combine 10 (for example, the crop flow sensor (or sensors) ra 204 and / or fill level sensor (or sensors) 160), and / or the like. As will be described in more detail below, controller 202 can be configured to control the operation of the harvester 10 so that the harvester 10 is normally operated in its harvest discharge mode during which fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 fall through the discharge opening 82 to an associated external storage device. However, upon receipt of an entry (for example, an operator entry), controller 202 can be configured to transition the combine for operation in its harvest storage mode during which feeder access 102 is

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 56/91 / 55 moved to its storage position and the rear deflector 112 is moved to its closed position to allow fragments to be temporarily stored in the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage feeder 100. Additionally, when transitioning to the harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to initially reduce the operating speed of elevator 60. After that, controller 202 can, for example, be configured to actively adjust the elevator speed, as desired or necessary, with based on one or more monitored crop flow parameters of the combine 10 to be in contiguity with the elevator speed with the current or instantaneous cross-mass flow or productivity of the combine 10, thereby maximizing the storage capacity in the elevator assembly 52 and the upper storage feeder 100 while preventing clogging elevator 60. Furthermore, in one embodiment, when it is detected that the fill level of fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 has reached a given fill level threshold, controller 202 can be configured to stop the operation of various components of the harvesting system 19 and / or primary extractor 54 to prevent fragments in feeder 51 from interfering with the operation of primary extractor 54.

[0068] In general, controller 202 can match any device (devices) based on a suitable processor, such as a computing device or any combination of computing devices. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, controller 202 can, in general, include one or more processor (or processors) 210 and associated memory devices 212 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (for example, perform the methods , steps, algorithms, calculations and the like revealed in

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 57/91 / 55 this document). As used in this document, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits called, in the art, as being included in a computer, but also to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller ( PLC), an application specific integrated circuit and other programmable circuits. In addition, memory 212 may, in general, comprise a memory element (or elements) that includes, but is not limited to, computer-readable medium (for example, random access memory (RAM)), computer-readable non-volatile medium (for example, example, a fast memory), a floppy disk, a read-only compact disc (CD-ROM) memory, an optical-magnetic disk (MOD), a digital versatile disk (DVD) and / or other suitable memory elements. Such memory 212 can, in general, be configured to store information accessible to processor (or processors) 210, which includes data 214 that can be retrieved, manipulated, created and / or stored by processor (or processors) 210 and instructions 216 that can run by processor (or processors) 210.

[0069] In various embodiments, data 214 can be stored in one or more databases. For example, memory 212 may include a parameter database 218 for storing data associated with one or more monitored parameters of the harvester 10, such as one or more culture flow parameters and / or the level of fragment fill in the feeder lower storage 51. As noted above, the culture flow parameter (or parameters) can generally match any suitable operating parameter of the combine 10 that provides an indication of or may otherwise be correlated to a culture mass flow or a productivity of the material harvested through the harvester 10, such as hydraulic pressure (or hydraulic pressures), torque

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 58/91 / 55 (or torques) of operation, a certain component position (or positions), performance data and / or the like. Thus, in many embodiments, the sensor data associated with one or more such operating parameters can be stored in the culture flow parameter database 218.

[0070] As shown particularly in Figure 7, to allow controller 202 to monitor the culture flow parameter (or parameters), controller 202 can be communicatively coupled to one or more culture flow sensors 204. As indicated above, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can generally match any suitable sensor or capture device that is configured to monitor a given culture flow parameter (or parameters). For example, in one embodiment, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 may correspond to one or more pressure sensors configured to monitor a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered to one or more hydraulic motors of the vehicle's hydraulic system through of an associated hydraulic circuit, such as the hydraulic circuit associated with the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44 and / or the chipper assembly 50. In another embodiment, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can correspond to one or more torque sensors configured to monitor an operating torque of one or more rotary components of the combine 10, such as the hydraulic motor (or motors) configured to rotate the rotary blades of the base cutter assembly 42, the rollers 46, 48 of the feed roller assembly 44 and / or the chipper assembly 50. In an additional embodiment, the flow sensor (or sensors) culture 204 can correspond to one or more position sensors configured to monitor the relative position of one or more harvester components whose position is dependent on the mass flow or crop productivity of the harvester 10. In yet another embodiment, the sensor ( or sensors) flow

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 59/91 / 55 of culture 204 may correspond to one or more yield sensors configured to provide an indication of the mass flow of culture through the harvester 10.

[0071] Still referring to Figure 7, in many embodiments, instructions 216 stored in memory 212 of controller 202 can be executed by processor (or processors) 210 to deploy a harvest unload module 220. In general, the crop discharge 220 can be configured to control the operation of the combine 10 so that the combine 10 is operated in its crop discharge mode. Specifically, in order to allow operation in the harvest discharge mode, controller 202 can be configured to control the relevant components of the combine 10 (for example, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138) to ensure that access from feeder 102 and rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated discharge and open positions, respectively (for example, as shown in Figure 2), and thereby allow fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of elevator 60 to fall through the feeder upper storage 100 and are discharged from the elevator assembly 52 via the discharge opening 82. The fragments discharged from the elevator assembly 52 can then fall into an external storage device, such as a sugar cane fragment cart. In addition, when operating in harvest unload mode, controller 202 can be configured to control the operation of elevator 60 (for example, by controlling elevator motor 76) so that elevator 60 is operated at a given time elevator speed. As will be described below, the elevator speed for harvest unloading mode can be greater than the elevator speed used when operating in harvest storage mode.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 60/91 / 55 [0072] Additionally, as shown in Figure 6, instructions 216 stored in memory 212 of controller 202 can also be executed by processor (or processors) 210 to deploy a harvest storage module 222. In general, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to control the operation of the combine 10 so that the combine 10 is operated in its harvest unload mode. Specifically, in order to allow operation in the harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to control the relevant components of the combine 10 (for example, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138) to ensure that access from feeder 102 and rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated storage and closed positions, respectively (for example, as shown in Figure 3) to cover or block the discharge opening 82 of the upper storage feeder 100, and thereby allow the fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 are stored in the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage feeder 100. In addition, simultaneously covering or blocking the discharge opening 82 (or immediately before or after such control action), controller 202 can be configured to reduce the operating speed of elevator 60. For example For example, when starting the harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to reduce the operating speed of the elevator from its normal operating speed to a preset or predetermined standard elevator speed adjustment. This speed setting can, for example, correspond to a setting defined by the manufacturer and / or an adjustment defined by the operator. In addition, the standard speed setting can be adjusted, as desired or necessary, by the operator to fine tune such standard speed setting based on the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 61/91 / 55 anticipated or expected dumping of combine 10.

[0073] It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the standard speed setting can generally correspond to a given percentage of the normal operating speed for the elevator 60 during operation in the harvest unload mode. For example, in one embodiment, the standard elevator speed setting for harvest storage mode may correspond to a speed that is less than about 75% of the normal operating speed of the elevator 60 during operation in harvest unload mode , such as a speed in the range of about 10% to about 50% of the normal operating speed and / or a speed in the range of about 10% to about 25% of the normal operating speed.

[0074] Once the operating speed of the elevator 60 has been reduced to the standard speed setting, the harvest storage module 222 can, in many embodiments, then be configured to continuously monitor the flow parameter (or parameters) harvester culture 10 (for example, by means of the culture level sensor (or sensors) 204) to detect changes in the culture mass flow through the harvester 10. Afterwards, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to actively adjust the operating speed of the elevator 60 when it is determined that a change in the mass flow of culture has occurred. For example, if it is determined based on the monitored culture flow parameter (or parameters) that the culture mass flow through the combine 10 has increased, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to increase the operational speed of the elevator ( for example, by controlling the elevator motor 76). Similarly, if it is determined based on the monitored culture flow parameter (or parameters) that the culture mass flow through the combine 10 has decreased, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 62/91 / 55 to reduce the operating speed of elevator 60 (for example, by controlling elevator motor 76). In doing so, the magnitude of the elevator speed adjustment made by controller 202 may vary, for example, based on the magnitude of the change detected in the culture mass flow.

[0075] It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to initiate the transition between operating modes when an operator input is received by controller 202 that is associated with switching the combine operation 10 from your crop discharge mode to your crop storage mode. For example, as indicated above, it may be desirable to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode when an associated external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the discharge opening 82 to collect the discharged fragments, such as when rotating the fragment carts and / or when changing / resuming harvesting at the end of the row without the fragment car being in position. In such a case (or cases), the operator may be allowed to provide a suitable operator input for controller 202 which indicates the desire to switch a combine 10 operation to harvest storage mode. For example, a suitable input device (e.g., a button, a handle, a lever, a switch, etc.) can be provided in the operator's cabin 18 to allow the operator to provide operator input to controller 202. Alternatively, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to initiate the transition between operating modes when any other suitable input is received by the controller 202 which is associated with switching the combine 10 operation from its harvest unload mode to its harvest storage mode. For example, the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 63/91 / 55 controller 202 can be configured to receive vehicle-to-vehicle communications that indicate that the associated external storage device is close to exit or is otherwise not positioned properly in relation to the combine 10. In such a case, upon receipt of input, controller 202 can be configured to initiate harvest storage mode from the combine.

[0076] In many embodiments, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to continue operation of the elevator 60 at the reduced operating speed (or speeds) as the elevator 60 is moved by a transport distance corresponding to the distance of the upper elevator. Specifically, in many embodiments, when operating in harvest storage mode, elevator 60 can be operated at reduced operating speed (or speeds) until elevator 60 has moved half its total travel distance (that is, the distance of transport defined along the upper span 70 of the elevator 60 between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64). In doing so, as the elevator 60 is moved by such a transport distance, the fragments initially contained in the upper elevator compartment 70 can be dumped into the storage volume 104 of the upper feeder 100 while simultaneously filling the blades 68 that move in the opening upper lift 70 to its maximum fill level.

[0077] After the same, in one embodiment, the operation of the elevator 60 can be interrupted once the elevator 60 has moved the specified transport distance. Specifically, once the elevator 60 has moved the defined transport distance along the upper span 70 of the elevator 60 between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64 (and thereby allow both the storage feeder 100 and the elevator span higher than 70 are filled with fragments), the operation of

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 64/91 / 55 lift can be stopped. For example, elevator 60 can be automatically stopped by the controller of vehicle 202 (for example, by controlling the operation of elevator motor 76). In such an embodiment, controller 202 can be configured to determine when elevator 60 has been moved at the specified transport distance by monitoring the time for which elevator 60 has been operated at its reduced speed and / or monitoring the actual distance over which elevator 60 was transported.

[0078] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after interrupting the operation of the elevator 60, the rest of the combine 10, which includes the harvest system 19 and / or the primary extractor 54, can be kept operational to allow harvested crops to be accumulated in the harvester 10. lower storage feeder 51 Specifically, by interrupting elevator 60, harvest storage module 222 can be configured to continue normal operation of harvesting system 19 and primary extractor 54 until the level is detected of filling the fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 reached a certain threshold level. For example, using the sensor configuration described above in reference to Figures 4 to 6, the fill level sensor 160 can be configured to transmit sensor data / signals to the harvest storage module 222 when the fill level of fragments reaches and exceeds the installation site of sensor 160. In such a case, based on sensor data / signals received from fill level sensor 160, harvest storage module 222 can determine that the fragment fill level reached a predetermined fill level threshold (for example, an acceptable fill level before the fragments make contact with the operation of the extractor fan 56 or otherwise interfere with it).

[0079] It should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 65/91 / 55 controller 202 can be configured to monitor the fill level of fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 against a given fill level threshold at any other suitable time during harvester operation 10. For example, in a In this embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can monitor the fill level of the fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 when the elevator 60 is operated at the reduced operational speed (or speeds).

[0080] Once it is determined that the fragment fill level has reached a predetermined fill level threshold, the harvest storage module 222 can then initiate one or more control actions. For example, in one embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 provides a visual or audible warning to a combine operator 10 indicating that the level of fragment fill in the lower storage feeder 51 has reached the predetermined fill level threshold. In such an embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can continue the normal operation of the harvest system 19 and the primary extractor 54 after such threshold is reached. In another embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 may interrupt or stop the operation of various components of the harvest system 19 to prevent additional fragments from being discharged into the lower storage feeder 51. For example, in such an embodiment, the storage module harvesting 222 can interrupt or stop the operation of the base cutter assembly 42 to prevent additional sugar cane from being cut, the feed roll assembly 44 to prevent transport of additional sugar cane to the chipper assembly 50 , and / or the chipper assembly 50 to prevent further discharge of debris into the lower storage feeder 51. However, it should be appreciated that, in

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 66/91 / 55 alternative embodiments, the harvest storage module 222 can interrupt or stop the operation of any other suitable component of the harvest system 19. Furthermore, in an additional embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can interrupt or stop the operation of the extractor fan 56 to prevent any fragments in the lower storage feeder 51 from making contact with the fan 56 or damaging it during its operation. In addition, in yet another embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can interrupt or stop the front path of the combine 10 to prevent the combine 10 from harvesting additional sugar cane.

[0081] A person of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the harvest storage module 222 can initiate any suitable combination of the control actions mentioned above when it is determined that the fragment fill level has reached a predetermined fill level threshold. For example, in one embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can provide an audible visual warning to the combine operator 10 and also interrupt or stop the operation of the harvest system 19 when it is determined that the fragment fill level has reached a predetermined fill level threshold.

[0082] It should be appreciated that, when relying on sensor data from sensor (or sensors) of fill level 160 to detect the level of fragment fill in the lower storage feeder 51, controller 202 can, in many embodiments, be configured to disregard or filter temporary and / or instantaneous signals received from the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 that may be indicative of a fragment that touches the sensor (or sensors) 160 or that temporarily makes contact with it before the level actual fragment fill reach the fill level threshold

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 67/91 / 55 associated. In such embodiments, controller 202 can, for example, be configured to monitor and compare the signals received from the fill level sensor (or sensors) over time in order to determine whether the fragment fill level has reached actually the predetermined fill level threshold. For example, if the sensor (or sensors) 160 is triggered continuously for a given period of time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) or otherwise detects fragments at the fill level threshold more than a given number of times per In such a period of time, controller 202 may determine that it is probable that the sensor (or sensors) 160 has detected that the fragment fill level has reached the fill level threshold in the opposite way to detecting false shots as the fragments disengage or temporarily make contact with the sensor (or sensors) 160.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, controller 202 may also include a communications interface 224 to provide a means for controller 202 to communicate with any of the various other system components described in this document. For example, one or more communicative links or interfaces 226 (for example, one or more data buses) can be provided between the communications interface 224 and the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 and / or the sensor (or fill level 160) to allow controller 202 to receive measurement signals from sensor (or sensors) 204, 160. Similarly, one or more links or communicative interfaces 228 (for example, one or more data buses) can be provided between the communications interface 224 and the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44 and the chipper assembly 50 (and / or a related component (or components) configured to control the operation of the assemblies 42, 44 , 50, such as a control valve (or valves)

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 68/91 / 55 related) to allow the operation of such components to be controlled by controller 202. In addition, one or more links or communicative interfaces 230 (for example, one or more data buses) may be provided between the communications interface 224 and the extractor fan 56 and / or a related component (or components) configured to control the operation of the fan 56, such as a related motor) to allow the operation of the fan 56 to be controlled by the controller 202. Additionally, as noted above , one or more communicative links or interfaces 144 (for example, one or more data buses) can be provided between the communications interface 224 and the elevator motor 76, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138 (and / or a related component (or components) configured to control the operation of the motor / actuator (or motors / actuators) 76, 130, 138, such as a control valve (or valves) r (connected) to allow the operation of such components to be controlled by controller 202.

[0084] Now referring to Figure 8, a flow chart of an implementation of a method 300 is illustrated to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, method 300 will be described in this document with reference to making the combine 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, making the fill level sensor 160 described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6 and the system 200 described above with reference to Figure 7. However, it should be appreciated by people of ordinary skill in the art that the revealed method 300 can generally be deployed with any combine that has any suitable combine configuration, with any level sensor (or sensors) filler that has any suitable sensor configuration and / or on any system that has any system configuration

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 69/91 / 55 appropriate. In addition, although Figure 8 describes steps taken in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed in this document are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. A person skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided in this document, will observe that various stages of the methods disclosed in this document can be omitted, rearranged, combined and / or adapted in various ways, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure .

[0085] As shown in Figure 8, at (302), method 300 may initially include operating the harvester in a harvest unload mode so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator and subsequently unloaded from the combine through a discharge opening defined by the storage feeder. Specifically, as indicated above, when operating in harvest unloading mode, feeder access 102 and rear deflector 112 can be moved to their associated positions shown in Figure 2 (for example, the discharge position and the open position, respectively) ) to allow fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 to fall through the upper storage feeder 100 and be discharged from the elevator assembly 52 via the discharge opening 82. The fragments discharged from the elevator assembly 52 can then fall into an external storage device, such as a sugar cane fragment car.

[0086] Additionally, at (304), method 300 may include receiving an input associated with switching the combine operation from its harvest unload mode to its harvest storage mode. For example, as indicated above, it may be desirable to operate the combine

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 70/91 / 55 in its harvest storage mode when an associated external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the discharge opening 82 to collect the discharged fragments, such as when turning the fragment carts and / or when changing / resumes harvesting at the end of the row without the fragment cart being in position. In such a case (or cases), the operator may be allowed to provide a suitable operator input for controller 202 which indicates the desire to switch a combine 10 operation to harvest storage mode. Alternatively, controller 202 can be configured to detect that the associated external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the combine 10 based on any other suitable input (or inputs), such as based on inputs from a sensor configured to detect the position of the associated external storage device or inputs associated with vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

[0087] Furthermore, in (306), method 300 may include reducing an elevator's operating speed upon receipt of input. As indicated above, when operating in harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to reduce the operating speed of elevator 60 (for example, by controlling elevator motor 76) from its normal operating speed to a reduced speed adjustment. In many embodiments, such a standard speed setting may correspond to a setting defined by the manufacturer and / or a setting defined by the operator and may be adjustable, as desired or required, by the operator or automatically by the 202 controller.

[0088] Still referring to Figure 8, at (308), method 300 may include blocking or covering the discharge opening defined by the storage feeder upon receipt of the input. Specifically, in many embodiments, when operating the combine 10 in

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 71/91 / 55 harvest storage, feeder access 102 can be configured to be moved to its storage position and rear deflector 112 can be configured to be moved to its closed position so that upper storage feeder 100 defines a storage volume 104 for receiving fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of elevator 60. As indicated above, controller 202 can be configured to automatically move feeder access 102 and rear deflector 112 to their respective positions upon receipt of the entry that indicates that combine 10 must be operated in its harvest storage mode. Such a control action can be performed simultaneously to reduce the operating speed of the elevator 60 or it can occur immediately before or after the adjustment of the elevator speed.

[0089] Additionally, in (310), method 300 may include stopping the elevator operation while continuing to operate a harvester harvesting system to allow harvested crops to accumulate in the lower storage feeder. Specifically, as indicated above, in many embodiments, the operation of the elevator 60 may be interrupted or stopped at a given point during operation in the harvest storage mode (for example, after a predetermined period of time and / or after the elevator 60 be transported at a distance corresponding to the length of its upper span 70). However, by interrupting the operation of the elevator 60, the rest of the harvester 10, which includes the harvesting system 19 and the primary extractor 54, can remain operational to allow the harvester 10 to continue harvesting crops from the field. Such harvested cultures can then be processed by the harvesting system 19 and subsequently accumulated in the lower storage feeder 51.

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 72/91 / 55 [0090] Furthermore, in (312), method 300 may include monitoring a filling level of the crops harvested in the lower storage feeder in relation to a predetermined filling level threshold. Specifically, as indicated above, controller 202 can be configured to monitor the fill level of fragments contained in the lower storage feeder 51 against a predetermined fill level threshold via signals / data received from the sensor (or sensors) fill level 160 upon interruption of elevator 60. In such a case, when it is determined that the fragment fill level has reached and / or exceeded the associated fill level threshold, controller 202 can be configured to initiate a fill action adequate control, such as notifying the combine operator 10, interrupting the operation of one or more components of the harvesting system 19 and / or the primary extractor 54, and / or interrupting the operation of the entire combine 10. Such control actions can prevent additional fragments from being discharged into the lower storage feeder 51 and / or interfere with the operation of the extractor fan 56.

[0091] Now referring to Figure 9, a flow chart of another realization of a 400 method is illustrated to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, method 400 will be described in the present document with reference to making the combine 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, making the fill level sensor 160 described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6 and the system 200 described above with reference to Figure 7. However, it should be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the revealed method 400 can generally be deployed with any combine that has any suitable combine configuration, with any sensor (or sensors)

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 73/91 / 55 fill level that has any suitable sensor configuration and / or on any system that has any suitable system configuration. In addition, although Figure 9 describes steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed in this document are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. A person skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided in this document, will observe that various stages of the methods disclosed in this document can be omitted, rearranged, combined and / or adapted in various ways, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure .

[0092] As shown in Figure 9, at (402) method 400 may include operating a harvester so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator and subsequently discharged from the distal end of the elevator into the feeder. upper storage or through it positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elevator. Specifically, as indicated above, when operating in harvest unloading mode, harvested crops are transported from the proximal end 62 of the lift 60 to the distal end 64 of the lift 60 and subsequently unloaded from the distal end 64 of the lift 60 in the upper storage feeder 100 or via the same position adjacent to the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 through the discharge opening 82. The fragments discharged from the elevator assembly 52 can then fall into an external storage device, such as a sugar cane fragment cart .

[0093] In (404), method 400 may include monitoring a fill level of crops harvested in the lower storage feeder against a predetermined fill level threshold

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 74/91 / 55 as the elevator is operated to transport harvested crops between the lower storage feeder and the upper storage feeder. Specifically, as indicated above, controller 202 can be configured to monitor the fill level of fragments contained in the lower storage feeder 51 against a predetermined fill level threshold via signals / data received from the sensor (or sensors) fill level 160 as harvested crops are transported from the lower storage feeder 51 to the upper storage feeder 100.

[0094] Furthermore, in (406), method 400 may include initiating a control action when the monitored filled level of the crops harvested in the lower storage feeder reaches or exceeds the predetermined fill level threshold. Specifically, as indicated above, when it is determined that the fragment fill level has reached and / or exceeded the associated fill level threshold, controller 202 can be configured to initiate an appropriate control action. For example, in one embodiment, the control action may correspond to adjusting the operating speed of the elevator 60, such as increasing its operating speed so that fragments are removed from the lower storage feeder 51 at a faster rate. However, it must be appreciated that the control action may correspond to notifying the combine 10 operator, interrupting the operation of one or more components of the harvest system 19 and / or the primary extractor 54, interrupting the operation of the entire combine 10 , and / or any other appropriate control action (s).

[0095] It should be appreciated that, although the revealed fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 has generally been described in this document in connection with the operation of a combine 10 in its mode

Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 75/91 / 55 of harvest storage, fill level 160 sensor (or sensors) data / signals can also be used when operating the combine 10 in its harvest unload mode. For example, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be used to detect when fragments have started to recede in the lower storage feeder 51 although the elevator 60 currently operates to transport fragments towards the upper storage feeder 100.

[0096] The present written description uses examples to reveal the technology, including the best way, and also to enable anyone skilled in the art to practice the technology, including producing and using any devices or systems and carrying out any built-in methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Said other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. SYSTEM (200) TO DETECT CULTURE LEVELS IN INTEGRATED STORAGE OF AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER (10), the system (200) comprising an elevator (60) extending between a proximal end (62) and a distal end (64) ), and the elevator (60) is configured to transport harvested cultures between its proximal (62) and distal (64) ends, where the system (200) additionally comprises a storage feeder (51) positioned adjacent to the proximal end ( 62) of the elevator (60), wherein the storage feeder (51) defines a storage volume (53) configured to receive harvested cultures before the harvested cultures are transported from the proximal end (62) of the elevator (60) to the end distal (64) of the elevator (60), the system (200) being characterized by the fact that it comprises: a fill level sensor (160) provided in operative association with the storage feeder (51), the fill level sensor (160) being configured to detect a fill level of the harvested crops contained in the storage volume ( 53) of the storage feeder (51). 2. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the fill level sensor (160) comprises a contact sensor. 3. SYSTEM (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fill level sensor (160) comprises a sensor element (164) and a cover plate (166) configured for at least partially cover the sensor element (164), with the sensor element (164) emitting a signal associated with the level of filling of the harvested crops contained in the Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 77/91 2/5 storage volume (53) when the cover plate (166) is pushed against the sensor element (164) by means of contact with the harvested culture. 4. SYSTEM (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fill level sensor (160) additionally comprises a sensor housing (162) configured to support the sensor element (164), the cover plate (166) being pivotally coupled to the sensor housing (162) so that the cover plate (166) can be rotated towards and away from the sensor element (164). 5. SYSTEM (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fill level sensor (160) additionally comprises a tilt member (195) configured to tilt the cover plate (166) to away from the sensor element (164), the cover plate (166) being configured to rotate in the direction of the sensor element (164) against the inclination of the tilt member (195) by contacting the harvested crop against the cover (166). 6. SYSTEM (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fill level sensor (160) comprises a non-contact sensor. 7. SYSTEM (300), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a controller (202) communicatively coupled to the fill level sensor (160), the controller (202) being configured to determine when the fill level of harvested crops contained in the storage feeder (51) reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold based on at least Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 78/91 3/5 a signal received from the fill level sensor (160). 8. SYSTEM (200), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a harvesting system (200) configured to harvest crops from a field through which the agricultural harvester (10) travels, in which the controller (202) is configured to interrupt the operation of the harvesting system (200) when the controller (202) determines that the fill level of the harvested crops has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold. 9. SYSTEM (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a primary extractor (54) configured to remove debris from the storage feeder (51), in which the controller (202) is configured to interrupt the operation of the primary extractor (54) when the controller (202) determines that the fill level of the harvested crops has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold. 10. SYSTEM (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the controller (202) is configured to transmit a notification that indicates that the storage feeder (51) is at or near maximum capacity when the controller (202) determines that the crop fill level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold. 11. METHOD (300) FOR DETECTING CULTURE LEVELS IN INTEGRATED STORAGE OF AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER (10), in which the combine (10) comprises an elevator assembly (52) that includes an elevator (60) extending between one end proximal Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 79/91 4/5 (62) and a distal end (64), the elevator assembly (60) including an upper storage feeder (100) positioned adjacent to the distal end (64) of the elevator, where the combine (10) additionally it includes a lower storage feeder (51) positioned adjacent to the proximal end (62) of the elevator (60) and the method (300) initially comprises operating the harvester (10) in a crop discharge mode so that crops harvested are transported from the proximal end (62) of the elevator (60) to the distal end (64) of the elevator (60) and subsequently unloaded from the harvester (10) through a discharge opening (82) defined by the storage feeder (100) , and method (200) additionally comprises, upon receipt of an input associated with operating the combine (10) in a harvest storage mode, reducing an elevator (60) and blocking operation speed ear the discharge opening (82) defined by the storage feeder (100) so that harvested cultures expelled from the distal end (64) of the elevator (60) are stored in a storage volume (104) of the storage feeder (100) , in which the method (200) is characterized by the fact that it comprises: monitor a fill level of the crops harvested in the lower storage feeder (51) in relation to a predetermined fill level threshold. 12. METHOD (300), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises interrupting the operation of the elevator (60) while continuing to operate a harvesting system (19) from the harvester (10) so that crops harvested accumulate in the lower storage feeder (51). 13. METHOD (300), according to any of the Petition 870180159115, of 12/05/2018, p. 80/91 5/5 claims 11 or 12, characterized by the fact that it further comprises interrupting the operation of the harvesting system lift (19) when it is determined that the filling level has reached or exceeded the predetermined filling level threshold. 14. METHOD (300) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it additionally comprises interrupting the operation of a primary extractor (54) of the combine (10) when it is determined that the filling level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold. 15. METHOD (300) according to any of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that it additionally comprises transmitting a notification that indicates that the lower storage feeder (51) is at or near maximum capacity when determined that the fill level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold.